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An interview with Pahlaj Nihlani the new chairman of Central Board Of Film Certification

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“The Film Industry Should See The Central Board Of Film Certification (CBFC) As A Friend, Not As A Hostile Force.” – Pahlaj Nihalani

Pahlaj Nihalani. Photo: Rajeev Bhatt

Pahlaj Nihalani. Photo: Rajeev Bhatt

Pahlaj Nihalani, the reputed filmmaker, needs no special introduction as far as his filmmaking repertoire is concerned. But of late he has come in for a lot of flak since the time he has been appointed as the chairperson of the Central Board Of Film Certification (CBFC). On this account Pahlaj Nihalani averred in clarification, “Maybe some people don’t like that I have restored transparency in the censor board. I can’t comment on what someone in the censor board thinks to be right or wrong. All I can tell very categorically is that I have been working within the Information & Broadcasting Ministry & Central Board Of Film Certification (CBFC) guidelines.” Even otherwise 2 members of the Censor Board Of Film Certification (CBFC) Ashoke Pandit & Dr. Chandraprakash Diwedi have leveled serious charges of autocratic functioning against Pahlaj Nihalani. Both of them have expressed their dissatisfaction by categorically stating that the Government is not pleased with the cuss – word ban by Censor Board, can take action. Here in this free wheeling interactive session Pahlaj Nihalani clarifies his stance.

One of the Central Board Of Film Certification (CBFC) board member Ashoke Pandit has leveled some very serious charges against you. Do you think it was right on the part of Ashoke Pandit to go public with his grievances?

Frankly speaking I can’t comment on what someone in the censor board thinks what is right or what is wrong. All I can tell you very categorically is that I have been working within the Information & Broadcasting Ministry & Central Board Of Film Certification (CBFC) guidelines. Maybe so far the censor board has been functioning in a different way. And now some people don’t like the fact that I have restored discipline & transparency in the workings of the Central Board Of Film Certification (CBFC) and its  circular banning cuss words put on hold.

The protesters in the Central Board Of Film Certification (CBFC) say that your style of working is tyrannical?

But It is my duty to do my job to the best of my abilities. As long as I am the chairperson of the Central Board Of Film Certification (CBFC) I won’t compromise on my work and I won’t buckle under pressure just because some people are uncomfortable with my style & way of working.

Do you think it was right of Central Board Of Film Certification (CBFC) board members to go public with their grievances?

I don’t want to comment on any individual. But if anyone chooses to go public with the grievances against a Governmental organization, then he or she is working against the interests of the Government. It’s therefore ethically & legally wrong of them.

Has the Information & Broadcasting Minister Rajyavardhan Rathore been informed about the revolt within the censor board?

If I answer that I would be doing exactly what these other board members are doing. Let me just say that the Minister Rajyavardhan Rathore is a very smart & an intelligent person. He knows exactly what people are doing and those who are going against the guidelines are definitely brought to his notice. For instance Central Board Of Film Certification’s – CBFC rifts (spilt) in the open.

Ashoke Pandit also claims that you see every film on your own and decide what is to be done?

Firstly, as the chairperson I have a right to either watch films personally as and how I want, or depute someone from the censor board to watch it. If so far, my predecessors have not been watching films personally, they were in the wrong. If I am doing the right thing now, if I am clearing as many as 5 films in 1 day, why are some members of the censor board getting jittery?

Your working method has diminished the chances of corrupt practices?

For the 1st time in the existence of the Central Board Of Film Certification (CBFC), I scheduled 5 films to be watched by the Revising Committee on the same day. Never before has the censor board watched more than 1 film on any given day. Is that not a good thing? We went out of the way of our schedule by censoring ‘NH10’ as we didn’t want to delay their 13th Mar, 2015 release.

Both disgruntled board members Ashoke Pandit & Dr. Chandraprakash Diwedi have accused you of being unfair to NH10?

Unfair? After seeing the film audiences are laughing at such accusations. We have gone out of our way to retain the violent flavor of the film. We have censored the film according to the script’s demand. That’s how every film will be censored. We only changed the dialogues a bit. I am a producer & a director myself. I know what cuts can be made without affecting the narrative. I wonder how Central Board Of Film Certification (CBFC) board members commented on the picture without seeing it.

Even the film’s producers including Anushka Sharma have been voicing protests against the CBFC?

After the film was censored the producers & the directors said they were satisfied with the cuts. They had appealed to us not to cut certain scenes. All of us 9 members conceded to their appeal for the sake of their creativity. We will deal with every film on an individual basis. ‘NH10’ needed the violence. The social message is quite clear and very strong here. The producers were happy. I don’t know if some of the Central Board Of Film Certification  (CBFC) board members are unhappy.

Are you saying that Ashoke Pandit & Dr. Chandraprakash Diwedi have commented on your censoring of ‘NH10’ without seeing the film?

If they had seen the film they wouldn’t have said what they had to. I don’t know what they are talking about. From the day I have taken over as chairperson of the Central Board Of Film Certification (CBFC) they have ganged up against me. Without the permission from the Information & Broadcasting ministry they have been publicly commenting on the internal workings of the Central Board Of Film Certification (CBFC).

What would you say in your defense?

I don’t have to defend myself against such absurd charges. From the day I took over as the chairperson of the Central Board Of Film Certification (CBFC) I have respected the opinion of each & every member of my censor board. I value their opinion. They have toiled hard to clear the backlog of films to be censored. We have cleared all applications for censorship till 4th Mar, 2014. Even the promotional clippings will now be cleared within 24 hours. The film industry should see the CBFC as a friend, not as a hostile force.

How do you plan to deal with the revolt?

By doing my duty and working honestly. I am not bothered with the naysayers. My work will speak for itself. As for the protesters, they are violating the rules of the Information & Broadcasting ministry by working against the interest of the Central Board Of Film Certification (CBFC). The Ministry will decide what to do with them.

Shashi Kapoor to receive Dadasaheb Phalke Award

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New Delhi: Veteran actor-producer Shashi Kapoor has been named for the prestigious Dada Saheb Phalke Award.

The actor who turned 77 on the 18th of this month is known for his performances in films like ‘Jab Jab Phool Khile’, ‘Deewar’ and ‘Kabhi Kabhie’. He stepped into the world of acting at the age of four, when he used to perform in plays directed by his father Prithviraj Kapoor.

Shashi Kapoor has got the National Award for best actor for the film New Delhi Times in 1986, National Film Award – Special Jury Award / Special Mention (Feature Film) for Muhafiz (1993) and the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi (as Producer) for Junoon in 1979.

Along with acting in movies, he has worked as a film director and assistant director. He worked as an assistant director for the debut movie of Sunil Dutt titled ‘Post Box 999′.

He has appeared in 160 movies all together, 12 being in English and the rest in Hindi. He was also honored with the Padma Bhushan Award by the Government of India in the year 2011.

The Dadasaheb Phalke Award will be given out with the National Film Awards this year. The previous recipient was lyricist-director Gulzar.

Amitabh Bachchan to act with Shivarajkumar in 'Kabira'

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amitabh-bachchan-shivarajkumar

Bengaluru: Sandalwood is abuzz with rumours of Amitabh Bachchan’s return to Kannada cinema. According to media reports, Shivarajkumnar’s upcoming film Kabira, which will go on floors on Ugadi, might star the Bollywood actor.

Earlier, Big B acted in Nagathihalli Chandrashekar’s Amruthadare. Kannada audience were eagerly waiting for Amitabh to make a comeback to Sandalwood ever since.

Shivarajkumar’s Kabira movie will go on floors from Ugadi. Kabira is the remake of original movie Mahatma Kabir which starred Dr. Rajkumar in the lead role. According to the close sources to the movie, Kabira will star Amitabh Bachchan in a vital role. While we have seen Shivanna and Big B share screen space in the Kalyan Jeweller’s Ad, we have not seen them in a film. Now, will Bachchan accept to act with Shivarajkumar’s Kabira? Let’s wait for the official confirmation by the filmmakers.

(Agencies)

"I want to be an actress to be reckoned with": Chitrashi Rawat

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chitrashi-rawat

Chitrashi Rawat of ‘Chak De India’ fame happens to be the 1st ever actress of the Bollywoodian Tinsel Town to have got rid of the shackles of the so called glam girls in the conventional mould. So meet Chitrashi Rawat, an unconventional actress, who is no doubt an actress par excellence. She has indeed proved time & again, right from her debut film CHAK DE INDIA to her latest release BLACK HOME, that she can tackle varied roles and further prove her mettle in the histrionics arena. At heart Chitrashi is a sports loving person, having already proved her proficiency in hockey. And now it is her dream to do as many sports films as possible. Present herewith is a telephonic conversation with a very bubbly & an enthusiastic persona known as Chitrashi Rawat.

Pencil in your background in a nutshell.

I hail born from the beautiful city of Dehradun. I have been a hockey player from the very early stage of my life and also represented my state Uttrakhand at the National level. And by a sheer chance of luck I had bagged CHAK DE INDIA.

And then?

In fact CHAK DE INDIA had happened to me almost a decade ago. Since then I have done films like FASHION, LUCK, TERE NAAL LOVE HO GAYA et al on the celluloid silver screen. That apart in the small screen arena too I have ended up taking part in the most popular shows like COMEDY CIRCUS & ISS JUNGLE SE MUJHE BACHAO on Sony TV and a leading role in FIR on Sab TV. Not only this I have also ended up doing the longest running theater plays like BAAP KA BAAP in Hindi & HONEY HAI TOH MONEY HAI in English.

Ok Now give us a brief insight into your latest release BLACK HOME?

Actually speaking BLACK HOME happens to be a very realistic film belonging to a dark genre, its an eye opener that sets you thinking. It is based on the theme of Juvenile Delinquency. And I have a very strong, powerful & an author backed female oriented role. In fact I am one of the main protagonists in the film. And again frankly speaking the Juvenile Act is implied for the betterment of children’s future. But unfortunately the reality is absolutely unimaginable & unthinkable. The child, who comes to the remand home, is not always & really a criminal. But the real fact is that most of the time an unwanted child of the house belongs to a very poor family. The parents are so poor that they find it very difficult to make the 2 ends meet, so to raise this child becomes like a mission impossible. Hence in reality BLACK HOME is a sincere effort to reveal the reality of these remand home girls in front of the society and make the society aware of the facts that these children lead a life worst than hell. We are a part of this society, where we live a very secure life but the other side of the society is very dark, like a BLACK HOME.

Please continue.

So to reveal the plot in a nutshell, Rajawadi Remand Home is in embroiled in a lot of controversy because of many illegal activities. DK, a news channel bureau chief is all over it again and wants to bring the facts out albeit he is surrounded all around with the usual electronic media politics. DK then uses a non – performing female journalist Anjali to expose the racket and the dark side of the society and show its real & ugly face. It unfolds so many cruel realities of the crime & the politics, which we conveniently ignore. Even otherwise it is not so easy to expose the age old system. So I would say that BLACK HOME is fully researched base film with lot of lots of information gathered from media, news papers and real life interviews of remand mome girls to understand the intensity of the subject. Sincerely speaking BLACK HOME is inspired by true events & information. And I am happy that in BLACK HOME I got a chance to work with veteran & extremely talented actors like Ashutosh Rana, Mohan Joshi, Murli Sharma, Achint Kaur, Vishwajeet Pradhan, Sharad Ponkshe, Santosh Juvekar, Raju Kher, Neelu Kohli, Simran Sehmi, Ajay Suryawanshi, Akhanksha Gade, Priya Gamre et al. BLACK HOME also corroborates the truth that India stands 3rd in the world for rape. Every 20 minutes a girl is raped in India. And out of the 12 million girls born in India, 1 million girls do not see their real homes so most of these girls end up in BLACK HOME. Period!

So how would you describe your filmic journey from CHAK DE INDIA to BLACK HOME en route your varied stopovers in the small screen as well as theatrical arena?

All in all I would say that my journey in all the arenas was smooth sailing albeit my path was strewn with many ups & downs, trials & tribulations and sometimes the interim phase was laced with an unseen sign board of “No Vacancy” and then again I would bounce back with renewed energy without any visible signs of fatigue or depression.

And now name your wish list of both the Bollywoodian as well as the Hollywoodian arena.

The Bollywoodian directors on my wish list are Shekhar Kapoor, Vishal Bhardwaj, Anand Gandhi Zoya Akhtar, Reema Kagti, Kiran Rao et al and the Hollywoodian directors on my wish list are Majid Majidi, Woody Allen, Quentin Tarantino, Deepa Mehta, Mira Nair et al.

Any dream role?

No I won’t say that I would like to perform any yesteryear’s or the current heroines more popular roles. All I aspire to do is as many as and all kinds of sports oriented roles. And of course I would love to work in Hollywood films, Indie films, art house films, festival films & so on and so forth.

Your parting shot?

I want to be an actress to be reckoned with one who will leave behind a mark in remembrance in the annals of the golden pages of the filmic history.

Theatre Play Review: Darindey – The Villains

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Darindey The Villains

The Introduction

The indian People’s Theatre Association (IPTA) has always been a forefront runner in promoting plays of social relevance. Having carved a niche for itself in this arena, IPTA has already staged scores of plays of repute, which has ended up reflecting social problems in its entirety. Of late they are active in staging the most popular plays like “Taj Mahal Ka Tender”, directed by Salim Aarif with cast comprising of well-known actors like Rakesh Bedi, Bharat Kapoor & Jaspaul Sandhu, “Café Shimla” written-directed-acted by Rakesh Bedi, “Girija Ke Sapne” directed by M. S. Sathyu & above all “Darindey…….The Villains” directed by Ramesh Talwar starring  Aanjjan Srivastav, Rakesh Bedi,  Rashmi Sharma, Nivedita Baunthiyal, Manju Sharma, Vinati Makijany, Vikas Yadav, Hriday Malhotra & Nishant Srivastav. These plays are running successfully in Mumbai and varied part of India. The play being reviewed here is “Darindey…….The Villians” adapted from the original play named “The Little Foxes”, which was staged recently @ Prithvi Theartre on 14th Feb, 2015.

The Review

“Darindey…….The Villains”

Cast: Aanjjan Srivastav, Rakesh Bedi, Jaspaul Sandhu, Rashmi Sharma, Nivedita Baunthiyal, Manju Sharma, Vinati Makijany, Vikas Yadav, Hriday Malhotra & Nishant Srivastav.
Original Playwright: Lillian Hellman (The Little Foxes)
Adaptation & Direction: Ramesh Talwar
Sets-Costumes-Lights: M. S. Sathyu Music Selection & Coordination: Kuldip Singh
Associate Director & Production Incharge: Vikas Yadav

The Plot

The play’s main focus is Regina (Rashmi Sharma), who struggles for wealth & freedom within the confines of an early 20th Century society where fathers considered only sons as their legal heirs. As a result of this practice, her avaricious brothers Benjamin (Aanjjan Srivastav) & Oscar (Rakesh Bedi) are independently wealthy, while she must rely upon her sickly, wheelchair-using husband Horace (Hriday Malhotra) for financial support.

Regina’s brother Oscar marries Birdie (Nivedita Baunthiyal), his much-maligned alcoholic wife, solely to acquire her family’s plantation &  cotton fields. Oscar now wants to join forces with his brother, Benjamin, to construct a cotton mill. They need additional money and approach their sister, asking her to invest in the project. Oscar initially proposes marriage between his son Leo (Nishant Srivastav) & Regina’s daughter Alexandra (Vinati Makijany), first cousins as a means of getting Horace’s money, but Horace & Alexandra are revolted by the suggestion. Horace refuses when Regina asks him outright for the money, so Leo, a bank teller, is pressured into stealing Horace’s railroad bonds from the bank’s safety deposit box. Horace, after discovering this, tells Regina he is going to change his will in favor of their daughter, he also gave Leo the bonds as a loan, thereby cutting Regina out of the deal completely. When he suffers a heart attack during this chat, she makes no efforts to help him. He dies within hours, without anyone knowing his plan and before changing his will. This leaves Regina free to blackmail her brothers by threatening to report Leo’s theft unless they give her bigger share for ownership in the cotton mill, which  in Regina’s mind, is a fair exchange for the stolen bonds. The price Regina ultimately pays for her evil deeds is the loss of her daughter Alexandra’s love & respect. Regina’s actions causes Alexandra to finally understand the importance of not idly watching people do evil. She tells Regina she will not watch her be “one who eats the earth” and abandons her. Having let her husband die, alienated her brothers and driven away by her only child, Regina is left wealthy but completely alone.

The Critical Analysis

The play which had been penned in the year 1939 fits accurately even in today’s time and the present day society too.  This hard hitting play is really very heart touching as it relates to every family in our society.  it is really a great production staged  by IPTA. Ramesh Talwar’s adaptation & direction is picture perfect and ends up doing the most appropriate justice to the original playwright Lillian Hellman. Even the sets, the costumes & the lighting done by M. S. Sathyu is remarkable. Kuldeep Sings music too leaves a lasting impression.

Performances wise all the actors were really stunning in their respective roles, having delivered a power packed act. Anjan Srivastav looks smart & elegant. Rakesh Bedi with his timing & comic sense gives a befitting tribute to his character. Rashmi Sharma lends glamor with her charming persona. Next in line are actors like Jaspaul Sandhu, Nivedita Baunthiyal, Manju Sharma, Vinati Makijany, Vikas Yadav, Hriday Malhotra & Nishant Srivastav all of whom have ended up delivering an unforgettably par excellence perfornance.

The Final Verdict

All in all “Darindey…….The Villains” certainly stands out as a “Not To Be Missed Play” at any cost.

Nasheman.in Entertainment Editor on the jury of the 2015 Nashik International Film Festival

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shaheen-raajMumbai: Nasheman.in’s Entertainment Editor Shaheen Raaj has been selected to the jury of the 2015 Nashik International Film Festival that begins March 19.

A veteran film and television journalist, Shaheen has been covering the entertainment industry for more than 40 years. He was also a part of the jury in the first edition of Kalyan film festival which kicked off in 2014. Shaheen will be part of the international category of the festival.

A 4 days extravaganza, the Nashik International Film festival (NIFF) will host master classes with international mentors, film making workshops, film screenings, a fashion show and more.

NIFF is an annual celebration of cinema industry paying tribute to Dadasaheb Phalke, considered the father of Indian Cinema, and his home town of Nashik, Maharashtra.

In the 2015 NIFF edition more than 150 films will be screened during the annual festival. Awards will be presented within categories to both International and Indian submissions in the following categories:

Shorts and Docs Section

Best Short Film
Best Documentary film
Best Animation films
Best Indian Film
Best Film on “Social Message”
Best Film on “Global Warming”
Best Student Film Maker
Debut Film Makers Award
Best Film Made in Nashik
Best of Queers Films (LGBT Issues)
Special Jury Awards

International/ Indian Feature Films Section

Best Film
Best Actor
Best Actress
Best Director
Best film on social message
Best Debut Director”
Noteworthy Film
Special Jury mentions

Indian Regional / Marathi Films Section

Best Film
Best Actor
Best Actress
Best Director
Best film on social message
Best Debut Director”
Noteworthy Film
Special Jury mentions

Best Media Promotion and Publicity (Print, Online and at NIFF event)

NIFF Lifetime Achievement Award Individual Male

NIFF Lifetime Achievement Award Individual Female

The Prestigious 7th Golden Camera Award (Dadasaheb Phalke Janmabhoomi Puraskar)

An interactive session with On-Line producer Parimal Shah

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“My Bungalow ‘The Garden Retreat’ Is Built On A Prime Location, which Is Available & Accessible For Any & All Kinds Of Filmmakers In India & Abroad” – Parimal Shah

Parimal Shah

Parimal Shah happens to be an on-line producer who liaisons for shoots for big screen, small screen and ad filmmakers. He came into prominence and gained intant recognition when he did the liasioning work, in simple terms coordinated for locales n shoots in Bungalows, for Ekta Kapoor’s Balaji Telefilms and reputed filmmakers like Vipul Amrutlal Shah, Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Sudhir Mishra et al, the list is endless. And now he has his own Bungalow named “The Garden Retreat” which he rents out for shootings.

How did you get the idea to be an on-producer?

Having worked for scores of films & Television shows I realised that varied filmmakers go through many hassles to organize their shoots on locations and especially if they have to shoot in Bungalows. So at first I started freelance liasioning for Balaji Telefilms and reputed filmmakers like Vipul Amrutlal Shah, Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Sudhir Mishra et al. And now I have my own Bungalow named “The Garden Retreat”. Where all kinds of filmmakers are welcome to shoot their projects.

So what are the special features of your Bungalow “The Garden Retreat”?

My Bungalow “The Garden Retreat” is very spacious and built on a prime location. It has varied in built locales & sets. It has a vintage as well as modern look in which the filmmakers can depict a Gujarati haveli, a Parsee’s old house, a Muslim’s princely palace and so on and so forth. It has a massive parking lot so that at a time 3 to 4 generators, 32 cars as well as the stars vanity vans can be parked. And I have only 1 condition that only 1 filmmaker is allowed to shoot at a time in a single day. They can shoot on built in sets like police station, jail, hospital et al in the 1st half and on the makeshift sets like haveli, palace, old age home et al in the 2nd half. I don’t think that any other Bungalows in a nearby or far away vicinity offers all the above mentioned facilities to all kinds of filmmakers.

The Garden Retreat

Is your Bungalow “The Garden Retreat available & accessible only for Bollywood filmmakers?

No sir! Filmmakers from all the woods like Bollywood, Tellywood, Addywood, as mentioned earlier, Hollywood and all the Regional filmmakers are also most welcome to shoot in my Bungalow “The Garden Retreat”. In fact not so long ago in the recent past regional filmmakers & stars like Mahesh Babu shot for his Telugu film ‘Businessman’ & Surya & Samantha shot for their Tamil film ‘Anjaan’ directed by N. Linguswamy. And moreover well-known Marathi filmmaker Laxman Uttekar has shot for his upcoming Marathi film namely ‘Lalbaugh Chi Rani’. In fact I have made a conscious decision to offer discounted rates of shooting for Marathi filmmakers. And I have taken this decision mainly because if the Government can offer subsidy then why can’t I offer discounted rates to Marathi filmmakers as my humble contribution. Period.

50 plus Heroes ruling the roost In Bollywood

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Earlier on our Bollywood actors had a very limited time span of their professional career. By the time they had crossed the 35 summers of their lives they either had to quit or switch to characters roles. And unconventional heroes in Bollywood firmament was a strict no – no. Only good looking so called chocolate heroes stood a chance to survive in the rat race to Stardom.

But since the last 1 decade this scenario of Bollywood has done a total & complete volte face. Let’s first take the example of Bollywood’s one & only midget hero Aamir Khan, who has just stepped into the 50th summer of his life. But much before that Aamir Khan had already started chartering his success route stardom with hard work and above all his sheer grit & determined resolve. And his repertoire of runaway successful films include ‘Taare Zammen Par’, ‘3 Idiots’ & ‘PK’ to name just 3 and his steady policy of doing only 1 film at a time also stood him in good stead. At this rate he is all set for a still longer innings at the box office turnstiles with his next upcoming project namely ‘Dangal’.

Apart from Aamir Khan it is Big B who is the classic example of this trend of 50 plus heroes ruling the roost. At 70 plus, Big B is still calling the shots on the big screen with his hit films like the sequel of ‘Bhootnath’ to name just one, on the small screen with all the Seasons of ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati’ (KBC) and mini series of ‘Yudh’ and he is still going strong with many upcoming films in his kitty like ‘Piku’, ‘Wazir’, ‘Ghoomketu’, ‘Hasmukh Pigal Gaya’ et al. Not to forget the public issue short films and all the endorsements he keeps doing left, right & centre. All this is enough to give the younger breed of actors a run for their money.

Next in line is the ultra energetic actor like Akshay Kumar aka Akki. When he had made his debut eons ago in ‘Saugandh’, he had gone on record saying that he would be most happy if he could survive in tinsel town even for a decade. And look where he has reached now & how?. His successful films include ‘Boss’, ‘Rowdy Rathore’ & ‘Baby’ to name just 3. So even Akshay Kumar is all set to romance with lady luck for a long. Long time to come. Among the many upcoming films that he has lined up is ‘Airlift’ to name just 1.

The same is the case with Ajay Devgn who was ridiculed for his unconventional dark look since his ‘Phool Aur Kaante’ days. But he changed the entire conception in his stride. With his recent successful films like ‘Son Of Sardar’ and the ‘Singham’ series and upcoming films like his own directorial venture ‘Shivaay’ and many more. So now even he is set for a longer dalliance with the Goddess of box office.

And last but not least is undoubtedly our very own Sallu miyan nay Salman Khan who has created his own success history in spite of all the upheavals & roadblocks in his personal life as well as his professional career. Indeed this ‘Bajrangi Bhaijaan’ has given a real ‘Kick’ to all his detractors.

So here is a cautionary piece de resistance advice to all the younger heroes to take a leaf out of the above mentioned REAL HEROES or be prepared to quit, hang their boots or worst still get blown away with the wind. Period!

Movie Review: 'Chappie' is fascinating but fails to live up to everyone's expectation

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Banner: Media Rights Capital
Producer: Simon Kinberg
Director: Neill Blomkamp
Cast: Sharlto Copley as Chappie (voice. & motion capture), Dev Patel, Ninja, Yo – Landi Visser, Jose Pablo Cantillo, Sigourney Weaver, Hugh Jackman, Anderson Cooper, Brandon Auret &  Watkin Tudor Jones
Music: Hans Zimmer

Director Neill Blomkamp of ‘District 9’ & ‘Elysium’ fame has treaded on a different kind of filmmaking genre, namely that of robotic world in lieu with the multi – million dollar heist angle.

The plotted scenario reveals that Deon Wilson (Dev Patel) is the lead programmer of the Scouts programme, which has provided Johannesburg with an all – robotic police force and brought order to the lawless town. Deon Wilson is working on making his machines better through giving them artificial intelligence. Vincent Moore (Hugh Jackman) is a war veteran, who doesn’t care for nerds such as colleague Deon Wilson, wears shorts to office unlike Deon Wilson’s tie & shirt and who is pushing for his own Moore programme in which humans will control a crime – busting robot via a neuro – transmitter helmet. Things take a turn when Deon Wilson is denied permission to try his breakthrough A. I. technology on his Scouts. He then secretes a dismantled robot away, is kidnapped on his way home and threatened by his abductors to load this robot with the a new technology. The result is ‘Chappie’, a robot that is like a child when rebooted, but who learns things much, much faster, is curious, inquisitive, has feelings and a consciousness. Chappie is absolutely charming. The scenario takes a turn and brings in South African musicians Ninja & Yo – Landi Visser, along with Cantillo, who play the gangsters who kidnapped Deon Wilson. Yo – Landi Visser takes on the role of Chappie’s ‘mother’, she reads him bedtime stories, delights in his paintings and the speed at which he picks up new words and tells him all about soul. On the other hand Ninja takes on the role of Chappie‘s father and begins to like him, though his primary motive remains using Chappie to pull off a multi – million dollar heist and ward off fellow robotic police officers. Time for another twist, Chappie is attacked, has his arm cut off and stumbles through his first few hours bewildered at how things are turning out. Particularly as “maker” Deon Wilson had instructed him “never, ever” to do anything criminal.

‘Chappie’ (stylized as Chappie) is an American science fiction film directed by Neill Blomkamp. The screenplay, written by Blomkamp & his real life spouse Terri Tatchell, is based on Blomkamp’s own 2004 short film ‘Tetra Vaal’. Not to forget his copied inspiration (Read Robocop). The only praiseworthy crew members are cinematographer Trent Opalach and to some extent editor Julian Clarke and music composer Hans Zimmer.

Performance wise it is Dev Patel of ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ fame as Deon Wilson who walks away with all the acting honors as he makes his presence felt in all the frames throughout the film’s duration. The next in line impressive performers are Ninja & Yo – Landi Visser. The rest of the actors like Jose Pablo Cantillo, Anderson Cooper, Brandon Auret & Watkin Tudor Jones are ok. But the most let down act has been delivered by Sigourney Weaver & Hugh Jackman.

Tailpiece: ‘Chappie’ can be recommended as an enjoyable fare for Kids.

Southern movies round up

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As compared to films produced in Bollywoodian & Hollywoodian Cinema arena, South Indian Cinema is rapidly & regylaerly progressing by churning out its own brand of gems of milestone movies in all the 4 languages namely Kannada, Malyalam, Telugu & Tamil. In an exclusive Nasheman.In, Shaheen Raaj will present a sneak preview of the productional happenings of Southern Cinema every fortnight. Time to stay tuned in.

AR Rehman – Manirathnam -Vairamuthu Combo To Be Back With A Big Bang

AR Rehman – Manirathnam -Vairamuthu combo to be back with a big bang. A surprise treat is in the offing for all the die hard fans of AR Rehman – Manirathnam – Vairamuthu combo. As the single “Mental Manathil” from ‘OK Kanmani’ is releasing shortly and is all set to rock the music world. Incidentally speaking ‘OK Kanmani’ is all set to release on 14th Apr, 2015 and stars Dulquer Salman & Nithya Menon with cinematography by P. C. Sriram. The film said to be on the lines of ‘Alaipaythey’, one of the most awaited films releasing this summer.

Vishal & Mysskin Join Hands For The 1st Time Ever

Vishal & Mysskin join hands for the 1st time ever. Mysskin, the maverick director is joining hands with Vishal for the 1st time ever. Mishkin is all set to release his assistant Vadivel’s movie ‘Kallapadam’. The music rights have been bagged by Vishal’s “Vishal Music company”. The audio release function is expected soon. “K”, who scored the music for Mysskin’s ‘Yuddham Sai’ & ‘Mugamoodi’ has scored the music.

‘Kallapadam’ movie is based on “Koothupattarai” and there are 5 songs in the movie. Mysskin has written the lyrics and sung one of the songs and the rest of the songs have been sung by “Koothupattarai” members themselves.

Santosh Narayan Chooses ‘Bangalore Day’ After ‘Madras’

Santosh Narayan chooses ‘Bangalore Day’ after ‘Madras’. Santosh Narayan is one of the finest music directors of Tamil cinema as he got the knack of delivering the perfect Bank Ground Music’s and soul stirring songs. His work in ‘Madras’ got him loads of acclaims and he has become one amongst the most sought after musicians in the southern industry. The Malayalam blockbuster, ‘Bangalore Days’ is getting remade in Tamil & Telugu under ‘Bommarilu’ Baskar’s direction and the latest news to emerge from their camp is, Santosh Narayan will be composing music for this bi – lingual fare.

Poorna Shakes A Leg With Jayam Ravi

Poorna shakes a leg with Jayam Ravi. The already star – studded ‘Appatakar’ has one more addition, with Poorna coming on board for a special song. The actress will shake her legs with Jayam Ravi for a pulsating number.

The song is said to be a a mix of folk & western beats and it would have the ‘Muniyandi Vilangiyal Moondramandu’ & ‘Vithagan’ actress in different costumes, along with Jayam Ravi.

Trisha & Anjali are the heroines of ‘Appatakar’, directed by Suraaj. Vivekh & Santhanam are also there. Shooting is currently on in full swing in Pollachi.

Sivakarthikeyan Is Making Waves

Sivakarthikeyan Is Making Waves. Sivakarthikeyan is in the news for all the right reasons. His much awaited ‘Kakki Sattai’, directed by Durai Senthilkuumar & produced by Dhanush has hit the theatres on 27th Feb, 2015. There is more good news for the star’s fans that with the producers of his next film ‘Rajini Murugan’ are planning to unveil the 1st look of this film on 18th Apr, 2015. Rumors are rife that as many as 370 theatres have been booked for this film and some more are expected. This film is produced by Lingusamy & Subash Chandra Bose of Thirrupathi Brothers, Eros International has teamed up to release it worldwide & Studio Green K. E. Gnanavel Raja has acquired the Tamil Nadu theatrical rights.

Nayantara To Enact A Dual Role For The 1st Time Ever

Nayantara to enact a dual role for the 1st time ever. For the 1st time in her career, Nayanthara is playing a dual role in a Tamil movie titled ‘Maaya’. It is a female centric horror entertainer.

Though the makers had first considered the title ‘Night Show’ for the film, they have changed it as ‘Maaya’. This film will be released in Telugu as ‘Mayuri’. Ashwin Saravanan is making his debut as director with this film. Nayanthara will be seen as a mother in this movie. Nayanthara is the leading heroine in Tamil now with half a dozen films in the pipeline and in Telugu, she will be seen opposite Balakrishna in the actor’s 99th film, directed by Sriwass.

Dasari Narayana Rao Teams Up With Pawan Kalyan

Dasari Narayana Rao teams up with Pawan Kalyan. The fans of Pawan Kalyan have been in a shock since Dasari Narayana Rao announced that he is going to team up with Pawan Kalyan for a movie. Though there is no official announcement, the news is that Dr. M. Mohan Babu is being considered as a villain for this movie. Mohan Babu had played negative roles during the early years of his career but it would be interesting to see him as a baddie now.

Many actors are turning villains at present and it is a good sign for the industry that our actors are getting ready to play different roles if the story demands.

Puri Jagannadh May Direct Chiranjeevi

Puri Jagannadh is all set to direct Chiranjeevi. With the big success of ‘Temper’, Puri Jagannadh is back in the big league and now the director’s aim is to direct Chiranjeevi. He said that he has been a big fan of Chiranjeevi since his childhood and will be very happy if Chiru gives him a chance to direct his 150th film. He also said that though he has no story with him, he has registered the title ‘Auto Jaani’ for Chiru long time back. He added the title would strike a chord with the masses easily and no one would bother what the story of the film is, if Chiru acts in a film with that title. Auto Jaani is the name of Chiranjeevi’s character in his super hit film, ‘Rowdy Alludu’. Lets see if Chiranjeevi gives his nod for Puri Jagannadh.

Senior Cinematographer Vincent Is No More

Senior cinematographer Vincent left for his heavenly abode recently. Senior
cinematographer Aloysius Vincent, who has worked for South as well as  Bollywood films, has passed away. He was 86. He worked with many big actors in Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam & Hindi films like Sr. NTR, ANR, Rajesh Khanna, Balakrishna, Chiranjeevi, Venkatesh et al. He is best known for his work as a cinematographer for films like ‘Adavi Ramudu’, ‘Prem Nagar’ (Hindi), ‘Major Chandrakanth’, ‘Annamayya’ et al in Telugu. He was one of the most revered cinematographers in India. His son Jayanan Vincent is also a cinematographer.

Anoop Menon To Script For Priyan

Anoop Menon to write a screenplay for Priyan. “Priyadarshan…….we as a generation was fed on his films…….a master of the craft, the moments spent with him were replete with anecdotes and sheer movie magic…….will be soon writing for the maverick’…….!” wrote Anoop Menon in his social networking page thereby announcing his new project. Anoop who is excited to be a part of his favorite director Priyadarshan, is planning this project as an out & out commercial entertainer. Anoop who finds Priyadarshan as the big reason for his passion for cinema was also recently seen in a Priyadarshan movie named ‘Aamayum Muyalum’ which uynfortunately failed at the Box Office.

Pranav Says No To Acting

Pranav says no to acting. Following a statement from actor turned director Sajid Yahiya about his new film, ‘Inspector Davood Ibrahim’, reports flooded on the net about Pranav Mohanlal’s entry as hero through this film. All media were after the young assistant of Jeethu Joseph to know about the real story and its confirmation. But incidentally speaking Pranav has not yet confirmed about his entry into film acting. Citing earlier stories as baseless, it is now learned that Pranav still doesn’t have any solid acting plans. Pranav, had earlier acted in films like ‘Punarjani’ & ‘Onnaman’, while he was a child. He is currently assisting director Jeethu Joseph in the Dileep starrer ‘Life Of Josutty’.

Horro To Star In ‘Last Bus’

Horro to star in ‘Last Bus’. Last Bus is very important on many occasions. When the last bus is not caught for reaching the destination, life becomes horrible. It is not horrible but horror says director of ‘Jugari’ in his 2nd film ‘Last Bus’. The shoot has been completed for this film with 6 prominent actors. The grand children of Hasyachakravarthy Narasimharaju – SD Aravind, Avinash & Samarth are part of this film. 6 strangers in the ‘Last Bus’ travelling to Malanad reach a bungalow. They witness lots of strange developments in the stay. Pravin D. Rao has scored the background music & K. Y. Narayanaswamy has lent 3 songs. Aravind has composed songs. Avinash Narasimharaju has high expectations from this film. Deepa Gowda admitted that she had taken 35 takes for 1st shot. Manasa Joshi, Meghasri Bhagavathar expressed happiness while working for this film. Rajesh is playing Kerala Mantrik’s role. 3rd generation from Narasimharaju family Samarth is in a prominent role.

‘Kanana’ All Set To Go On The Floors

‘Kanana’ All Set To Go On The Floors. This is yet another father & son combination project. On the investment of father the young son is entering filmdom via ‘Kaanana’. S. Srinivas of S. Nalige Productions is introducing a new director Radha. Radha has written story, screenplay, & dialogue besides direction.

According to director Radha the film is on crime & punishment. The shoot will be held In Hosur, Kolar & other locales of Kerala. Son of producer Srinivas, Sushanth who is making his debut worked in England for 3 years and is currently an employee of HP company. He is also a close relative of famous comedian N. S. Rao.

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